Round 3 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals at Wild Rose MX Park in Calgary let loose this weekend. For many riders, the big city, big air and big track is a favourite. What the story became was costly mechanical breakdowns and mistakes that changed up the event and series results. James Lissimore was in the middle of the action all weekend long to help us bring you this week’s National Photo Report.
Brad Nauditt had an up and down day. A good start in moto one helped secure a 3rd. However in moto two, he never seemed to get a flow going a finished 3-6 and 4th overall. Still, he sits 3rd in the MX2 series points.
Nathan Bles had his best overall of the season. The GDR Honda Troy Lee rider didn’t get good starts and had to work hard to catch everyone to earn a favourable 11-7 for 6th overall. Nathan has top 5 speed but needs to start up front.
Kaven Benoit didn’t have the day he hoped for. In moto one, while pushing for the lead, he suffered a mechanical DNF. Second moto was better with a solid third but 9th overall dropped him to 4th in the MX2 points.
Blake Savage had a positive weekend in Calgary. His wrist is healing up and his speed is getting up to where he expects. Blake ran top 3 but crashes took him out of contention. His 5-31 did not speak to how well he rode, when on two wheels.
Shawn Maffenbeier was in Calgary supporting his team. The Rockstar Yamaha rider hopes to be back from his broken collar bone for the start of the east at Gopher Dunes.
Topher Ingalls is showing everyone he is going to be in this to the end. The RTR Honda rider finished 2-2 for 2nd overall and is now second in the MX2 series. Ingalls was fast in Calgary and deserving of his runner up position.
It was a quiet but solid day for Jared Allison. The Yamalube Troy Lee Blackfoot Direct rider finished the day 5th overall with 6-5 score and sits 6th in the MX2 series.
Josh Clark rode strong this weekend and earned 3rd overall on the day. Clark looked like he was pumped up while running in second in moto one, but still had a good weekend to build on. Clark is 5th in MX2, but only 16 points out of second place.
Austin Politelli has been so strong in 2013. 1-1 on the day make it 5 moto wins out of 6 motos for Austin. He holds a solid 35 point lead after Calgary.
There was a support booth for injured lady racer Sierra Roth. Many riders and teams donated gear and product to help raise money. The group will be in Edmonton and at the Western Amateur National Championships as well.
#25 Ross Johnson had his starts dialed this weekend. The Cycle North rider took home both Royal Distributing Holeshots, collecting a cool $1200.00.
#33 Redemption Racing Eric Jeffrey had a break out ride in Calgary. Eric has worked hard on his game and is becoming a solid pro motocrosser. 10-12 moto scores earned Eric 10th overall in Calgary, which was a career high finish and a serious shot of confidence for the Ontario rider.
In moto one, it looked like Teddy Maier might have been able to push Brett Metcalfe. Unfortunately, his bike let loose which ended his moto. Teddy rebounded nicely in moto 2 but his DNF-3 scores only earned him an 8th for the day.
Brett Metcalfe is a focussed pro athlete. Listen to him speak, watch his approach, his riding and it all screams elite athlete. Although the first moto was easy, Metcalfe came from outside the top15 in moto 2 to win. Metcalfe’s 1-1 helped him open up the series points lead.
Morgan Burger’s ride just felt good. Great guy, riding well, happy to be here and mixing it up with the best in the series. How can that not make you happy and smile? Morgan took 4th in Kamloops, 4th in Calgary and guess what…he is 4th in the series.
Brock Hoyer is another rider who is geting it done. Brock nailed down a series high 6th overall in Calgary and is 8th in the series. Brock has matured into a solid veteran pro who knows how to make the most of each moto.
Tyler Medaglia and Jeremy Medaglia raced each other hard in moto one at Calgary. The two brothers are both riding very well. Jeremy took third overall on the day and is 6th in the series. Tyler never looked comfortable, but in typical fashion fought through to a 5th overall. Tyler is second in the MX1 points.
The suprise finish of the day was Josh Allen. The Leading Edge Kawasaki rider is traveling with buddy Greg Small across the country. Josh finished 11-8 for 7th overall in Calgary and sits 11th in the series.
6-18 and 12th overall was not the day Gavin Grayck was looking for after a strong 5th overall in Kamloops. Grayck’s team says he is still not in “race” shape but he is getting close. Gavin is 7th in MX1 points after Calgary
Ryan Millar was in Calgary. The former amateur phenom looked good on his KTM. He worked away to earn a 12-10 and a rewarding 9th overall on the day. Pretty solid for the big Manitoba kid.
